Events

Our students aren’t just the future of the church, they are an integral part of the church today!  For students, Sunday mornings are about worshiping corporately with the church, serving with other Burke Community Church ministries, and growing in Christ as we walk through a book of the Bible or learn how to engage our culture in classes just for students. 

We gather every Wednesday at 7pm in the Worship Center for fun, student led worship, and a message from Scripture.  During the second hour, we meet in Life Groups where a small group of students and a caring adult share the highs and lows of life, talk about how God and His Word are working in their lives, and pray for each other.  We want every student to be plugged into a group where they can experience authentic Gospel community.

Our students pull away from the routine to experience God, His Word, and fellowship with each other on a deeper level at summer camp and retreats! Summer Camp is July 12-16, 2021 at Liberty University, the Senior Retreat is September 10-12, 2021 at Sandbridge Beach, and The Mix Fall Retreat is October 8-10, 2021 at Watermarks Camp. Stay tuned for more information.

As we expand our in person ministry activities, we want to work together to keep each other safe so that we can continue to gather! What can you do?

Wear a mask.  At all student ministry events, our students and volunteers set aside personal preferences and convictions and wear a mask, covering nose and mouth at all times.

Keep your distance.  At events, we observe 6 feet physical distancing in accordance with public health guidelines.

Take a quiz.  Please protect our community and stay home if your family has any signs of illness or COVID exposure. Ask yourself:

• Is there anyone in your family not feeling well today that cannot be attributed to a known medical cause?
• Has anyone in your family had a fever in the last 24 hours?
• Has anyone in your family tested positive for COVID in the past 14 days?
• Has anyone in your family had contact with someone in the past 14 days who has tested positive for COVID?

What is a Life Group?

A life group is a small group of students and caring leaders who are committed to living out life and pursuing Christ together.  They meet weekly at The Mix to share the highs and lows of life, talk about how God and His Word are working in their lives, and pray for each other.

Are Life Groups just a Bible study?

Not really.  Life groups are the core of our community and the context in which lives are impacted for Christ.  The Bible and God’s truth guides our discussions and shapes our relationships for sure.  Life groups are a place for authenticity and encouragement that equips us to know Christ better and make Him known.  In addition to on campus meetings, many life groups love to hang out at other times for fun and to serve together!

How are life groups assigned?

Students are assigned to a life group by grade and gender.  Since life groups are built for relationship, we love to place new students in a group with a friend when possible.

Will my life group change each year?

Life groups ministry starts in 7^th grade. Some students and leaders will continue with the same core group the whole way through 12^th grade.  However, we live in a highly transitional community where many families are part of our ministry for just 2-3 years at a time.   A healthy church also grows and multiplies.

While we aim to develop life groups that are committed to each other and built upon transparency and trust, sometimes life groups need to divide or rearrange along the way.  When these transitions need to occur for the good of the Body, we are committed to communicating with students and parents and helping students get established in their new group.

Who are the life group leaders?

Student Ministries are built upon a team of screened and trained adult volunteers.  First of all, these leaders know Christ and care about students.  They understand that teens have many questions before and after becoming a Christian.  They want to listen to these questions and help you discover God’s answers.  And they know from their own experience, that life can be messy and we all make mistakes.  Our leaders are real people who are dedicated to walk alongside you wherever your path leads.

How do Student Ministries build student leaders?

Sometimes we get boxed in by thinking that we are either a leader or a follower, but in Christ, we are both!  Every student is a leader, every student is an influencer.  Each is created with a personality, gifts, passions, and talents that can point others to the greatness of God.  And yet the only way to reach our full leadership potential is to be a follower of Christ and others who are worthy of imitation.

In Student Ministries we want to help every student discover and explore how they are uniquely designed to build others up and influence others for Christ.  This starts with knowing that you are a follower.  If you aren’t sure whether or not you are a follower of Christ, talk to us!  Then let’s talk about how you can influence others.  Maybe this is a kind welcome and a smile as part of our welcome team.  Maybe you like to serve behind the scenes as part of our set up team.  Maybe you have musical talents and a heart to lead other students in worship.  Maybe you love to engage others on social media.  Or maybe you have a passion that you would like to bring to Student Ministries….Minecraft anyone?  Whatever your interests, they are God-given and we want to help you explore how to use them to influence others for Christ!

When is summer camp?

We are super excited to return to Student Life Camp at Liberty University from July 12-16, 2021!  More details and registration for completed 7^th-12^th grade students are coming soon.